Design is Art with Purpose
Creating intuitive experiences that engage users is an art. Design goes beyond mere usability; it should help make interactions compelling and immersive.
Hi, I’m Wade Austin, a seasoned brand, UI, and UX designer and team leader with extensive experience in crafting digital experiences deeply rooted in user-centric strategies and graphic design principles.
I specialize in developing and guiding creative strategies, leading design, and implementing well-crafted design languages across all brand touchpoints to create compelling user experiences.
Services
Ideas are cheap, the value is in making ideas a reality.
I enjoy working from concept to launch and beyond, transforming abstract ideas into tangible things we use. I can assist with the entire process—brand strategy, planning, execution, and every phase from planning through production.
1. Discovery, Research & Planning
At the inception of an idea, it’s crucial to understand your business, define your target audience, and analyze your industry through competitive analysis and market research. I have guided numerous national clients through this essential discovery phase, helping to create sharp strategies, schedules, and goals.
2. Low Fi Prototypes & Wireframes
The initial step in design is to map out the most effective user journeys and touchpoints. I have assisted clients of all sizes in creating low-fi prototypes and wireframes, crafting powerful and intuitive experiences for their target audience through best practices and user testing.
3. Hi Fi UI Designs & Design Systems
The final design phase involves creating pixel-perfect page views and a cohesive design system to ensure consistency across extensive user journeys, down to each component and piece of content. I have designed thousands of views for clients across nearly every imaginable industry.
4. Asset Management & Dev Support
During the development phase, it’s essential for design to support production with clear journey maps, comprehensive brand systems, and all necessary components, guidelines, and images. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with developers to ensure they have a clear vision, guidelines, and every element needed for successful implementation.
My Work
Ideas into Reality
Below are some case studies showcasing projects I’ve had the privilege of leading.
eBay – Global Warehouse Tools Design System
As a senior UX Designer and team lead, I spearheaded the design and implementation of a comprehensive rework for eBay’s global network of warehouse software tools. This involved over 15 warehouse locations and thousands of distinct user journeys.
Jewelry TV – National eCommerce Marketplace
I was appointed by Jewelry TV to spearhead the creation of a new jewelry brand and a marketplace tailored for jewelry makers. Through extensive industry research and user testing, we formulated a cohesive design language and consumer brand targeting both customers and jewelry artisans.
Jackson Fine Arts – Virtual Art Gallery and Sales Tool
A prestigious art gallery in Atlanta approach me looking for a way to engage their international customer base, and expand their reach. We built a virtual art gallery where customers could browse all art pieces, and view them virtually in their own spaces anywhere in the world.
Cisco – Remote Network Management Control Center
I led the design and development of Cisco’s DNA 1.0, a comprehensive network management system. Guiding a diverse team of UI/UX designers, content strategists, technologists, and subject matter experts, we intricately crafted detailed views driven by a unified design language.
The RealReal – High End Fashion Marketplace
My client approached me with a new concept, and in less than six years, The RealReal went public. During this rapid five-year expansion, I evolved from a sole UI/UX/Brand designer to a director overseeing three scrum teams and all consumer touchpoints covering mobile, mobile app, desktop, tablets, and TV.
Balluun – B2B Convention Sales and Ordering Tool
The team at Balluun aimed to provide their clients’ customers with a user-friendly tool that would be essential at trade shows and beyond. We began by analyzing the current interactions between buyers and sellers at these trade shows, which led us to develop an intuitive and powerful tool for showcasing and ordering products easily.
What folks are saying about me
Clarity and confidence
Great to work with on many levels – highly collaborative, facilitates team discussions very effectively and drives the conversations to conclusion. A quick study on complex topics and by nature inquisitive (a great combination).
Michael Kopcsak
Cisco Head of UX and Research
My business has transformed
Working with Wade’s team was a game-changer for Suitely! They brought sophisticated design perspective to our site rebuild, and drove creative strategy for the site as well as executing the creative piece.
Marina Glazman
CEO/Founder at Suitely
Turning point
Strong, results driven team who knows how to focus on the most important issues for the business.
Julie Wainwright
CEO/Founder of The RealReal
Need help on a project?
Send me an email or text me and we’ll set up a time for a free chat. Look forward to meeting you!
Are you a new start-up that needs senior creative guidance? Fill out the questionnaire at the link below, and I’ll send you a free initial draft of a brand and design strategy, with no obligations.
Wade Austin UX 